National 4 SfW Automotive Skills (Course Code: C271 74)

SCQF Level 4 (24 SCQF credit points)

Why study SfW Automotive Skills?

The automotive sector influences our daily lives, for as example as commuters travelling to work, using public transport, heavy goods vehicles delivering goods to customers or the emergency services responding to need. The automotive sector in Scotland employs some 40,000 people, around 2% of the Scottish workforce. The industry offers many careers including vehicle sales and hire, customer service and parts sales and vehicle repair and maintenance.

This course will help you develop the practical skills, knowledge and understanding of employability skills needed within the automotive industry as well as introducing you to the wide range of jobs within it.

Automotive Skills offers good opportunities if you enjoy:

examining and fixing things

problem-solving

working with your hands

using tools and machinery.

What do I need to get in?

Entry is at the discretion of the school or college.

What will I study?

The course is made up of four compulsory units, each one taking 40 hours of study.

Automotive Skills: The Garage

Automotive Skills: The Technician

Automotive Skills: The Car

Automotive Skills: The Vehicle Modification Project.

You will learn about

basic safety checks, wheel changing and valeting

Health and Safety procedures

tools and techniques used by technicians in the industry

renewal and replacement of vehicle components

understanding how components work

developing core skills in working with others.

Where will I take the course?

You will usually train at a local college. Training sessions will take place for a set number of hours and weeks during term time.

You will have to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on this course, for example: safety glasses, protective footwear (boots or shoes with steel toe caps), gloves and overalls.

Work experience/placements

You may be able to arrange a related work experience placement by speaking to your pastoral care or guidance teacher in school.

You may be able to visit individual companies or hear about the industry from visiting speakers.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be based on a range of practical activities in real or simulated workplace settings. Tutors will observe and keep records of your work. Some assessment may be done online using an e-portfolio system.